Hi everyone! I’m Miffy Wang, an international student from Hong Kong SAR in the YUCG analyst class of Fall 2024.
Starting college is an exciting yet challenging time for any student, but international students face unique obstacles that can limit our experiences. Beyond adjusting to a new culture and academic system, there are layers of visa regulations and institutional barriers that impact what we can and cannot do. For instance, due to visa restrictions, most international students cannot take on internships at competitive companies in the U.S. until our junior year. This restriction makes it challenging to explore career fields early and puts international students at a disadvantage compared to peers who have access to professional experiences from the start.
When I first arrived on campus, I felt frustrated by the regulations and restrictions around entrepreneurship and business opportunities. I knew I wanted to explore the business world, from entrepreneurship to finance, but navigating the cautious environment was no easy feat. Understanding how crucial industry exposure is, I was unsure how to gain this experience within these limitations.
A Pathway to Real-World Experience
The Yale Undergraduate Consulting Group (YUCG) quickly became a key to overcoming these barriers. Consulting offers a unique approach to understanding various industries, making it an excellent fit for anyone seeking to broaden their perspectives and skills. Through YUCG, we can explore a wide range of fields, from technology and finance to healthcare and retail.
For international students, YUCG is particularly valuable because it provides access to Fortune 500 companies and real-world consulting projects that would typically be off-limits until later in our college careers. In YUCG, we work on actual projects for major companies, gaining insights into their operations, challenges, and goals. This exposure not only enhances our understanding of business but also equips us with practical experience that positions us competitively alongside our peers. I’ve had the opportunity to submit my resume to top consulting firms and connect with mentors in influential roles, which is an incredible opportunity for international students.
An Inclusive Community
One of the best aspects of YUCG is its inclusive and truly welcoming community. Consulting projects naturally encourage teamwork, and our group celebrates diversity, recognizing that different backgrounds and experiences enrich our collective problem-solving abilities. As an international student, I’ve found that my cultural background often adds a unique perspective to U.S.-based projects. There are instances where cultural differences may require a bit of adaptation, but rather than being a hurdle, these differences often lead to more creative and effective solutions.
Beyond the projects, I’ve developed close cross-cultural friendships and connections that I believe will last well beyond my time in college. And I am far from alone – over eleven countries are represented among YUCG's current members!
Building a Foundation for Future Success
For any international student interested in business and consulting, YUCG offers an unmatched opportunity to build a strong professional foundation. Consulting isn’t just about solving business problems; it’s about learning how to navigate diverse industries, understand client needs, and adapt to different working environments with a myriad of voices. These are skills that I promise are invaluable in any field.
YUCG has provided me with a sense of confidence and direction, helping me to feel on par with my U.S.-based peers despite the logistical barriers I face as an international student. Importantly, I’ve discovered that my international background is an asset, not a limitation. This experience has taught me how to leverage my perspective in ways that contribute to the team and deliver value to our clients, making me feel that I truly belong in this field.
Advice for International Students Considering YUCG
For international students wondering if consulting might be a good fit, I can say that joining YUCG is one of the decisions I’ve made here at Yale. It has not only widened my scope of skills and knowledge but gained friendships I value wholeheartedly. It offers a rare platform to engage with industry leaders and gain practical insights into various sectors often out of reach for students like us. I encourage you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity!
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